78-year-old pedestrian struck and killed by a driver in Merced County, CHP says

A 78-year-old man was killed when he was struck by a car near Gustine's downtown, the California Highway Patrol reported Monday.

The man was walking in the area of Fourth Street and Third Avenue about 8 p.m. on Friday when he was struck by a driver, according to Officer Dean Emehiser.

The man was identified as Panfilo Garnica Vega, 78, of Gustine, according to the Merced County Sheriff's Office.

Officers said Keri Lynn Ross, 40, of Gustine was headed north on Fourth Street in a 2007 Chevrolet when the car struck Garnica Vega, who was crossing the street in an unknown direction.

Ross remained on scene, cooperated with officers and was not under the influence of drugs or alcohol during the collision, CHP said.

Garnica Vega was taking to Memorial Hospital Los Banos, where he was pronounced dead, CHP said. The collision remains under investigation.

This story was originally published September 18, 2017 at 1:37 PM with the headline "78-year-old pedestrian struck and killed by a driver in Merced County, CHP says."